It is places like Felbrigg Hall that justify our NT membership. We have been here several times before, and never disappointed. On this occasion, we popped in on our way home from Norfolk. We didn’t go into the house this time (Littley is a little too young to appreciate it) instead heading for the walled gardens. As always, they are maintained to an exceptional standard, but it is really pleasing to see that these are also w
orking gardens, with a large assortment of fruit and vegetables being grown. We were particularly interested in how well the squashes were growing (such a neat line of leaf and flower), to the extent that I asked one of the gardeners what they were (for those who are interested, they were ### and ###). The gardener I spoke too was so knowledgeable, friendly and happy to stop and talk about her work.
The main reason we like the walled garden at Felbrigg, however, is for Littley. There is a small play area in one corner of the garden where younger visitors can dig in several large sand pits, using various tools, wheelbarrows etc. Or have a teddy bears picnic in the wigwam. The main draw, however, is the population of chickens which roam wild throughout the gardens. On this visit, they have been joined by a group of sheep sculptures which looked very at home in the long grass. After a very long wait in the café, we sat down to an enjoyable (if slightly expensive) lunch before we set off for home.
We will be back again and again, particularly as it is only a five-minute drive (or walkable) from Waverley Cottage.